Tissue products containing softness

ABSTRACT

A composition for cellulostic fibers containing amino silicone to impart improved hand feel. The composition may be included in a lotion applied to tissue paper and may include a hydrophilic softener. A carrier for trace substances, fragrances, vitamin E, aloes and colouring agents may also be used. Such carrier may comprise microcapsules.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/297,053 , now U.S. Pat. No. 7,597,780 , filed May 21, 2003 under 37U.S.C. 371, based on International Application No. PCT/CA02/00475, filedApr. 8, 2002, which in turn claims the priority benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/282,143, filed Apr. 9, 2001, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to tissue paper, and more specificallyto tissue paper having a soft tactile feel, a process for the productionof tissue paper having softeners and particular compositions of saidtissues.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Tissues are widely used for a variety of uses including nose care,removal of cosmetics, eye glass cleaning and wipe ups around the home.Such tissues have gained widespread use for a variety of reasonsincluding the relative inexpensiveness of the product and thusdisposability of the tissues.

Such tissue papers require a variety of characteristics depending ontheir usage. For example softness is a major benefit when the tissuepapers are used for nose care or removal of cosmetics. Tissues used forwipe ups, however, generally require absorbency while non-smearing is apreferred benefit when using tissue papers for eyeglass cleaning.Generally speaking most individuals prefer strength of the product formost applications.

Softness of tissues can be imparted to the substrate paper by a varietyof means including mechanical and chemical processes. The resiliency,flexibility or smoothness of the tissue may perceive softness of theproduct.

Mechanical softness may be imparted to the paper by a variety of meansincluding calendarizing which affects the loft or the bulkiness of thepaper.

Chemical softness may be imparted to a tissue paper by means of addingor imparting chemical compounds.

For example U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,545 describes facial tissues containinga silicone compound which is incorporated into the tissue with anaqueous carrier having a smear index of 1.0 or less, a lint reductionindex of 5 or greater, and sink time no more than 30 second greater thansink time of the same facial tissue without the silicon compound.

Moreover U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,282 teaches a tissue paper comprisingcellulostic fibres and an effective amount of polysiloxane material,said polysiloxane being uniformly disposed on the outwardly facingsurfaces of the tissue paper, said effective amount of polysiloxanebeing from about 0.004% to about 2% polysiloxane based on the dry fibreweight of said tissue paper, said polysiloxane having a viscosity ofabout 25 centistokes or more, said tissue paper after aging two weeksafter its manufacture has a wetting time of two minutes or less.

Moreover U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,020 discloses tissue products made byadding one or more softeners/debonders and a silicon glycol copolymer ofthe paper making fibres at the wet end of the tissue machine, prior tothe formation of the tissue web. Suitable softeners/debonders disclosedinclude organo-reactive polysiloxanes, quaternary ammonium compounds,quaternized protein compounds, phospholipids and silicon quaternaries.One such binder material is starch.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,282 also discloses the use of surfactants. Specificsurfactants used in tissue paper are disclosed in an article entitled“The Roll of Silicones in Non-Woven Fabric Applications” by A. J. Sabiaand R. P. Metzler in NonWovens Industry, September 1983, pp. 16 to 22namely on page 20,

-   -   “Surfactants selected for polymer emulsification can also have        an important effect on performance of the organo-reactive        silicones.”

The use of a 2% amino-silicone injected into a pulp slurry has beentaught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,707 where a conventional tissuetissue/towel paper substrate is formed, dried and creped in aconventional manner in the formation of wet-like cleaning wipes.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide tissues having improvedsoftness characteristics.

It is another object of this invention to provide creped paper tissueshaving improved softness characteristics for facial, hand and relatedpersonal uses.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a optimumcombination of features to the substrate tissue in the softness and feelof the product by applying a composition to the tissue with low dosagecosts. It is a further object of this invention to provide an improvedmethod of producing same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1( a) and (b) generally illustrate a flexographic press andflexographic closed cavity fountain system respectively.

FIG. 2 generally illustrates a sprayer for coating the moving web ofpaper.

FIG. 3 illustrates a roto gravure press.

FIG. 4 is a chart for mixtures prepared for lotionizing trials.

FIG. 5 is a chart including viscosity and surface tension of theformulas by item codes.

FIG. 6 is a softness versus dose of silicon lotions chart which havebeen flexo printed unto Scotties Supreme.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are charts showing softness of Scotties Supreme versusvarious lotions and doses.

FIG. 8 is a chart entitled bulk of Scotties Supreme with dose of variouslotions applied.

FIG. 9 is a chart entitled stretch of Scotties Supreme with variouslotions and doses.

FIG. 10 is a chart entitled tensile strength of Scotties Supreme withvarious lotions.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the apparatus used for application ofmicrocapsules to tissue paper.

FIG. 12 is a detailed diagram of a spray system.

FIG. 13 is a table showing test results for Lotion Formula AM60/PPG40applied by rotogravure printing with a 50 millinch hexagonal patterncylinder at various RPM's and the handfeel results.

FIG. 14 shows the physical test results for the bottom middle and topply web referred to in FIG. 13.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show test results utilizing mineral oil based lotionsand polyethylene glycol based lotions with fragrance.

FIG. 17 shows test results utilizing a carrier with DC 8600 andfragrance.

FIG. 18 is a table showing results of FIG. 17.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout thespecification and the drawings with the same respective referencenumerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in someinstances proportions may have been exaggerated in order to more clearlydepict certain features of the invention.

Overview of the Invention

Generally speaking a compound has been applied to tissue paper to impartimproved softness characteristics. Amino silicone polymer is a majorcontributor to any gain in softness. Excellent qualities were realizedwith a Super Mix as defined herein. The composition or lotion is appliedto the substrate by spraying or pressing unto the cellulostic fibers.

EXAMPLES OF PROCESSES FOR APPLYING THE LOTION

The preferred method of lotionizing a web of paper includes flexographicprinting press, spraying and rotogravure printing.

More specifically FIGS. 1( a) and 1(b) generally describes the processof applying the composition or lotion to a substrate by a flexographicpress. Generally speaking the method of applying a lotionizingcomposition onto a web or substrate of cellulostic paper comprisesfeeding a plain web of tissue paper 10 between a backing roll 12 andplate roll 14 which rotate for example as shown in FIG. 1( a). Thefountain or ink pan 16 contains the lotion 17 described herein which arepicked up by the pick up roll 18 and then transferred to the anilox rollor cylinder 20. The anilox roll 20 is engraved and/or etched 19 as iswell known to persons skilled in the art so as to transfer thecomposition of lotion to the plate roll 14 to coat the web 22.

Although FIG. 1( a) shows the application of the lotionizing compositionto one side of the web 10, this invention should not be so limited asboth sides of the web may be coated.

Furthermore FIG. 1( b) shows a variation to the flexographic press of1(b) showing a closed cavity fountain system as is well known to personsskilled in the art illustrating doctor blades 24 to scrape excess lotion17.

The flexographic press illustrated can include heating systems, edgeembossing and folder features well known to these persons skilled in theart.

For example a flexographic press with an “all over” coating roller mayapply lotion. Such roller may have a 360 screen rating and a 5.6 microncell depth where two rubber surface rollers transfer liquids from theinkwell to an anilox roller and from the anilox roller unto the movingweb. Such example has been given for illustrative purposes only andshould not be construed as limiting the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the application of lotion or composition unto amoving web by means of spraying nozzles. It is preferable to spraylotion with an electrostatic charge for delivering accuracy and minimaloverspraying. More specifically FIG. 2 illustrates a parent roll 31which has wound creped paper tissue which is plain or uncoated.

The numeral 32 represents at least one ply of plain creped tissue paperwhich is unwound and moving under tension towards the sprayer. The idlerroll 33 helps to is keep tension on the web 32 and can distributetensile force across the web (such as for example the use of a “MountHope” roll).

The spray nozzle or nozzle 34 mixes together liquids or lotions 35 andair 36 before spraying. The spray nozzle 34 can be adjusted to vary theoutflow of direct flow of aerated lotion 37 by changing the orifice sizeand the like in a manner well known to those persons skilled in the art.

The top-down orientation is not strictly necessary for spraying paperwebs but helps to minimize losses by aerosol mists of lotion 38 and overspray. Supply of lotion 35 is generally kept under constant pressure, bya pump, and may be filtered and/or heated as required. The flow rate canbe adjusted. The supply of air 36 such as a compressed air supply isgenerally kept at fairly constant pressure and filtered, dried or dryand at room temperature before spray mixing. Coated web of paper 39leaving spraying zone is drawn to the next operation (e.g. drier unit,ply bonder, folder or rewinder).

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a roto gravure press having a backingroll 40 such as a rubber impression roll, a gravure roll 42 such as anengraved roll contacting the lotion 17, where the underside of the web10 is treated with lotion 17. In one example the rotogravure press maycomprise a “50 Mil Hex” pattern engraved into the cylinder's face toapproximately 50 microns depth with cell capacity approximately 3.9billion cubic microns per square inch of pattern surface area.

Paper Substrate

The trial paper substrate utilized in many of the comparative studies tobe described herein was comprised of Scotties Supreme 3 ply paper,however, the invention should not be limited to such tissue paper sincethe advantages of the invention may be realized by utilizing two ply orone ply paper or other suitable cellulostic fibers.

For example Scotties Supreme 3 ply paper can comprise of:

-   -   55% by wt of bleached eucalyptus pulp (E)    -   45% by wt of bleached northern softwood kraft (BNSK)        such as Domtar Q90 cellulostic fiber substrate. The BNSK can        include pine, some spruce or perhaps cedar fibers. Depending on        the type of substrate one experiences variations in tactile        qualities.

The term cellulostic generally refers to the tissue being cellulose butgenerally can include other chemicals, such as binding agents to help“glue” or “cement” the various fibers together used during typical papermaking operations.

One substrate that can be utilized includes:

-   -   35% wt E    -   45% wt recycled fibers    -   20% wt BNSK.

The compositions or lotions disclosed herein improve the tactile orsoftness qualities of the substrates described. Generally speaking,however, such tactile or softness characteristic are more pronouncedwhen utilizing 55% by wt E as compared to 35% by wt E.

Compositions Used During Trial Run

FIG. 4 is a chart which illustrates the various chemicals that wereutilized in the trial runs for applying to the tissue paper which werethen subjected to a variety of tests relating to softness, bulk, stretchand tensile strength.

More specifically the item code Am relates to an amino siliconecomposition which has been applied to a moving web of Scotties Supremetissue. More specifically the item code Am relates to adiamino-functional silicone polymer which is supplied by Dow Corningunder their item DC 2-8040. Typically properties of the Dow Corning DC2-8040 of the diamino-functional silicone polymer relates to a viscosityof 800-5000 centipoise and a non-volatile content of 95%. The inventionhowever should not be limited to the specific supplier item referred toherein but rather is an example of the amino silicone that may be used.

Likewise the item code Sur referred to in FIG. 4 relates to the compoundDimethicone Copolyol supplied by Dow Corning under the supplier itemDC-190 which typical properties include a viscosity of 1500 c.p. at 25degrees C. Dow Corning's 190 surfactant acts as a surface tensiondepressant, and wetting agent.

The compound Dimethicone Copolyol may originate from other sources.Furthermore as can be seen from FIG. 4 the item Sur has been blendedwith the amino silicone namely Am in the ratio of 25% by weight of Surand 75% by weight of Am. Both compounds have been blended as indicatedby the column entitled “Direction Action” and the formula has beendesignated in the column entitled “Formula by Item Codes” as Am 75/Sur25.

The column Soh relates to silanol functional fluids which arepolydimethyl siloxane polymers with terminal silanol reactivity. Oneexample of the silanol functional fluids originates from Dow Corning andidentified by the supplier item DC Q1-3563 as can be seen from FIG. 4where 25% by weight of Soh has been blended with 75% by weight of Am anddesignated by the formula Am75/Soh25.

The column Sil refers to a “coupling agent” available from Dow Corningunder the trade designation DC Z-6040 Silane. This material is reportedto be a coupling agent for chemicals and is thought as potentiallyuseful to improve the lotioned paper as needed. Such improvements mayinclude bond formation or adhesion between any of the chemicals orsubstrates applied unto to the paper web and the paper fibers that aremainly cellulose.

FIG. 4 also illustrates the Item Code Mo, which relates to a highlyrefined white mineral oil originating from Petro Canada and designatedby the supplier item Purity WO15. By way of example five compositions ofMo were tested, namely:

-   -   90% by weight of Mo and 10% by weight of Sur    -   60% by weight of Mo and 40% by weight Sur    -   25% by weight of Mo and 75% by weight Am    -   75% by weight of Mo and 25% by weight Am    -   100% by weight of Mo.

The column entitled 802 Witco PA-802 relates to a blend of nonionic andcationic surfactants. In one embodiment these surfactants originate fromGoldschmidt (formerly Witco) under the designation Arosurf PA-802.

Furthermore waxes were also tested as shown in FIG. 4 and are identifiedby the Item Code W. One such example of waxes that have been usedoriginates from the supplier IGI Waxes under the supplier item Micro5702.

Moreover propyl-glycol was also tested and shown in FIG. 4 as Item CodePg originated from Ashland.

Finally polypropoxylated-stearyl alcohol was also tested and designatedby the Item Code PPG supplied by Goldschmidt under their supplier numberPPG-11 Stearyl Ether.

The Item Code PPG was utilized in two test runs namely a Super Mix whichis hereby being used as a short form for the following approximatecomposition by weight percent, namely:

18.8% amino silicone 18.8% dimethicone copolyol 18.8% silanol functionalfluid 18.8% white mineral oil remainder = 100.0% polypropoxylatedstearyl alcohol.

Moreover PPG was also used in the formula by Item Code Am60/PPG40. NoteAm60/PPG40 is identical to AM60/PG40, as used herein.

FIG. 5 summarizes the trial runs of the lotionizing formula by ItemCodes as shown including the viscosity and surface tension of same asparticularized therein.

Objectives of the Lotionizing Trials

An 18 inch wide web of Scotties Supreme was lotionized by utilizing thecomposition formulas referred to above. More specifically suchformulations were applied to the web of celluostic fiber by:

flexographic press with a folder

flexographic press with dryer and folder

spray nozzle with dryer and folder.

Once the lotion was applied to the web, samples were prepared intosheets of folded facial tissue. Generally speaking such samples wereprepared at two to three doses for each lotion. Thereafter the sampleswere tested to discover the effects of the lotion on the paper byformulation and dosage so as optimize:

-   -   (a) the relationship between hand feel (softness) and dose;    -   (b) dose on absorbency, bulk and tensile strength.

FIG. 6 is a chart of the softness verses dose of silicon lotionflexoprinted unto Scotties Supreme substrate.

In particular the web of tissue was lotionized in a flexo press:

-   -   (a) at speeds of 300-600 feet per minute;    -   (b) where up to 13% of lotion was added on by weight of the        sheet of tissue at high viscosity;    -   (c) a viscosity range of 10 to 4,500 centipoise was tested;    -   (d) with surface tensions of 21 to 70 dynes/centimeter;    -   (e) two separate doses were practical for each lotion.

Furthermore a dryer was utilized to help distribute lotions and overcomecoarse flexomat. A high temperature is generally better than ambienttemperature and a dryer temperature was tried between 100 to 165Celsius.

Furthermore interfolded tissues were prepared at web speeds of up to 600feet per minute.

Specific Parameters for Gravure Press to Lotionized Facial Tissue

A 70 inch web of regular three ply Scotties Supreme ex HMD PM 5 wasutilized in the gravure press described above at various speeds from 300to 2000 feet per minute. Such web was lotionized with the ingredientsreferred to above and in particular the formula Am60/PPG40.

The lotion was transferred by a gravure cylinder unto the bottom ply ofthe web. The lotion add on was approximately 3% to 4% of sheet weightand somewhat decreased with speed. Printing speeds tested wereapproximately 300, 500, 1000 and 1500 feet per minutes. Print impressionroll load can be varied from nil to 225 pounds per inch of width alongthe entire nip where paper web passes between the impression roll andgravure cylinder.

Such lotionized paper was then wound unto paper rolls with Am60/PPG40 atspeeds to 1500 feet per minute.

FIG. 6 illustrates that there were a number of formulations, whichexhibited a hand feel greater than 105 WWS, which was tested inaccordance with a method to be disclosed herein. A hand feel of 105 WWSwas chosen as a minimum desired goal as this represented the maximumcurrent hand feel which is attainable by prior art means.

FIG. 6 is a more detailed histograph of the softness of Scotties Supremewith various lotions as identified above plus those components referredto below and doses as it relates to hand feel. In particular FIG. 7shows that the formula Am60/PPG40 demonstrated hand feel values of 112and 110 WWS while the Super Mix had values of 113 and 107 respectively.It should be appreciated that such softness values relate to a 3 plytissue paper, and that different values would be observed if 2 ply or 1ply tissue were to be utilized. Generally speaking the hand feel of a 2ply tissue paper coated with Am60/PPG40 would exhibit a value ofapproximately 95 WWS while a one ply would be lower.

More specifically FIG. 7 a is a chart showing the testing of 23 lotionedvariants of 3 ply Scotties Supreme (trade mark) against reference ofplain Scotties Supreme identified by column 100. FIG. 7 b represents thedata in FIG. 7 a in a histograph form.

For example when 101 in FIG. 7 a represents the variant 101 in FIG. 7 bidentified as Z Quat 0.8 gsm. Z Quat is a trade name for a modifiedaliphatic amine available from Goldschmidt Chemical Corp. under productidentification EXP-5398-4. More specifically 0.8 gsm (i.e. 0.8 grams permeter of tissue) are applied and subjected to the tests referred to inFIGS. 7 a and 7 b. Likewise variant 103 relates to 0.7 gsm of Z Quatapplied to the Scotties Supreme tissue, and tested as referred toherein.

Variant 104 relates to the silanol functional fluids referred toearlier. Variant 105 relates to applied 25% by weight of Z Quat and 75%by weight of Ethanol 96% (i.e. EtOH), with a calculated dose of lotionon the web of 4 Kg/MT.

Variant 107 relates to 5% of P-637 which is a proprietary commercialmixture available from ChemPro Inc., mixed with 95% water and applied tothe Scotties Supreme web at 7 Kg/MT.

Variant 108 relates to the formulation AM60/PPG40 referred to earlierapplied to the web at a measured dose of 91 average Kg/MT and calculateddose of 40 Kg/MT.

Variant 110 relates to 10% of P1510 which is Arosurf PA-802 (describedherein), mixed with 90% water by weight.

Variant 111 and 114 relate again to the reference Scotties Supreme.

Variant 119 and 120 relate to a substrate under the trade name SolusoftWA which is a proprietary commercial mixture of principally siliconepolymers at 30 to 35% by weight of an aqueous mixture as supplied byClariant AG where variant 119 so is applied in a flexo gravure fashionwhile variant 120 is sprayed unto the web.

Finally variant 122 relates to applying a substrate under the trade nameTego FS41 which is available from Goldschmidt Chemical which is aproprietary commercial blend of organo-polysiloxane of approximately 32%non-volatile materials. FIG. 8 is a histograph of the bulk of ScottiesSupreme with the calculated dose of various lotions applied as tested inthe manner to be described herein.

Moreover FIG. 9 is a histograph of the stretch of Scotties Supreme withvarious lotions and doses where MD relates to stretch in the machinedirection while CD relates to stretch in the cross machine direction.

Moreover FIG. 10 relates to the tensile strength of Scotties Supremewith various lotions as illustrated. There are a number of methods thatcan be used to estimate the doses of lotion added to the substrate. Suchmethods include:

-   -   (a) for flexopress—the weight of the whole web sample is taken        before the dryer;    -   (b) spray—the ratio of the weight of lotion delivered by nozzle        that lands on the web in 60 seconds to the weight of the web        area passing beneath in the same period of time;    -   (c) the weight of folded sheets taken after the dryer;    -   (d) weight of materials extracted by solvents from folded sheets        taken after the dryer;    -   (e) weight of silicone polymer determined in sheets by X-ray        analysis.

In each method, a gain in weight was calculated by determining thedifference in weight between lotionized paper and the plain untreatedpaper substrate used at a time closest to the time of actual treatment.

In some cases, as for example, in methods 1 and 2 referred to above,when the weight of treated paper was less than the closest blankresulted in a negative difference, (i.e. loss rather than gain) thetarget rate for the bare sheet would be used.

The estimates of dose or “add-on” are then calculated and expressed inpercentage terms as the algebraic ratio of the gain in weight from thelotion added to the original weight of the plain paper as used.

Results

An analysis of the materials referred to above shows that amino siliconepolymer is a major contributor to any gain in softness. A review of thefigures show that the highest doses of lotion with increasedcompositions of amino silicone gave generally the best hand feel values.However lotions with high content of amino silicone were viscous anddifficult to manage requiring high levels of dilutant (e.g.hydroxy-silicone) to decrease the viscosity of the mixture andsurfactant (e.g. polyoxygenated oils) to allow water penetration to thetreated paper.

It was found that amino silicone coating on paper is hydrophobic unlessblended properly with suitable hydrophilic materials. Regardless,amino-silicones adhere well to paper fibers.

Moreover anhydrous lotions containing amino silicone were best forincreased tissue paper softness. Water based lotions required the dryerto quickly remove excess moisture from the web before the paperdisintegrates. Thus increased water content in a lotion limits theeffective dose.

However non-aqueous liquids did not require a heating zone to removewater but benefited from heat energy to improve distribution of lotioningredients through the matrix of cellulose fibers in the paper web.Furthermore, exposure to radiant heating better maintained the originalpost-treatment absorbency for lotionized AM60/PG40 and Super Mix samplesover the 7 months of aging since preparation.

Many lotions in the past tended to decrease the tensile strength of thepaper substrate. Generally speaking lotionized papers with a highimprovement in softness also have low tensile strength and/or largelosses in original tensile strength.

However it was unexpectedly observed that the Super Mix and compositionshaving amino silicones had high perception of softness and relativelygood balance of tensile strength. Also unanticipated was the reductionin tissue dust or “lint” for Super Mix and AM60/PG40 lotionized papertissued.

Moreover as can be seen from the figures paper bulk was depreciatedminimally by lotionizing, but there was some indication that some of thelotions added to the loft.

Furthermore it was observed that migration of the lotion to adjacentplies occurred in the roll between printing and conversion. Initiallythe improved softness was felt on the treated surface of the 3 ply web.After lotionized rolls aged two weeks, it was more difficult to knowwhich ply has been originally treated. Lotion ingredients migratedbetween the treated ply and adjacent plies while the rolls were storedor were in transit. This improved the sheets overall tactile.

Therefore the results of the tests referred to above showed:

-   -   (a) amino silicone was a contributor to softness;    -   (b) blends were needed for spray nozzles and printing presses;    -   (c) the dilution chemicals used to reduce the viscosity of the        amino silicone also depreciated the expected gain in tensile        strength from the amino-silicone;    -   (d) the hydroxy silicone did not really add to the paper        softness but served well as a satisfactory extender or dilutant        of the amino silicone;    -   (e) several lotioned paper samples were made which met facial        tissue standard of 105 WWS;    -   (f) non-water based lotions were found to be best for increasing        tactile softness.        Perception of Softness

(note by “appeared” we mean perceived by touch not sight)

The figures shown herein illustrate good softness for:

Am60/PPG40

Super Mix

The Super Mix appeared relatively “wetter” while the Am60/PPG40 appearedrelatively “drier” than the other by hand feel.

Hand Feel Panel Test

The hand feel test is based on a “paired-comparison” technique while thepanelist assess samples “blind” without seeing them. Each sample iscompared to every other sample, including reference standards, by everypanelist. The preferred sample is rated on a scale from 1 to 9. Resultsare immediately recorded by the panel facilitator before proceeding tothe next comparison. Ratings range from 1 to 9 where one is equal andnine is totally different. Three known standard samples must be usedalong with typically four unknown samples. Standards are intended tospan the range of interest. Typically, ten panelists are included.Therefore, a typical handfeel panel generates 210 separate preferencecomparisons. The data points are then analyzed by a “least squares”linear regression algorithm. Statistical values of average and standarddeviation are calculated for all handfeel standards and interpolated foreach unknown sample for each panelist and the overall result. Similarly,panel quality control statistics are calculated for determining theaccuracy (i.e. correlation coefficient r) and inconsistency(inconsistency coefficient i) for each panelist and the entire group.Results from one or more panelists and the group can be disqualifiedbased on poor quality control data as compared against historicalvalues. In the case of disqualifying some panelist(s), those values areexcluded and the remaining panelists' data is reanalyzed. Handfeel paneldata are considered satisfactory when derived from eight or morequalified participants.

By utilizing the hand feel test described one can generate world widescott values (WWS) and determine the perceived softness when testedagainst a baseline sample.

Alternatively softness may be determined when more than 50% of peoplerecognize an improved hand feel when comparing the coated paper withuncoated paper substrate.

Hand Feel Test for Quality Control

The following steps were undertaken to determine hand softness, namely:

-   -   (a) fold a specific number of sheets into a sample pad by        folding in half once, then fold in half again. The sample is        four sheets thick.    -   (b) ensure crepe side is in—smooth side (drier side) on the        outside of the pad;    -   (c) roll products—ensure when folding that the outside of the        roll is on the outside of the pad;    -   (d) select a standard which is closest to the target for the        product one is testing;    -   (e) take a standard pad in one hand and test pad in the other.        Compare the two for cushion, flexibility and surface feel,    -   (f) cushion—does the test sample feel thick or flat compared to        the standard sample    -   (g) flexibilility—does the test sample feel flexible, crushable        or is it stiff compared to the standard    -   (h) surface feel—does the test sample feel smooth or harsh        compared to the standard sample    -   (i) if the test sample is softer, select the next highest        standard available. If the test sample is less soft select the        next lowest standard.    -   (j) compare the test sample verses the new selected standard    -   (k) continue this way until one has “bracketed” the test sample        into two standards    -   (l) if the test sample is equal to a standard, record the        standard feel as the hand feel rating of the test sample    -   (m) if the test sample is between the two standards, record the        average of the two standard value    -   (n) ratings are recorded in increments of five. Enter the rating        into the system.

Alternatively improved softness may be determined where more than 50% ofpeople recognize an improved handfeel when comparing the coated paperwith uncoated paper substrate.

Determining Tensiles and Stretch

The following test was conducted to determine tensiles and stretch

-   -   1. cut an 8 inch section from the sample submitted by the        machine room;    -   2. strips are cut in both machine direction MD and cross        direction CD;    -   3. place the sample in a strip cutter so that the strip is cut        parallel with the direction being cut;    -   4. clamp MD or CD set of strips in upper jaw of tensile tester,        ensuring strips are straight;    -   5. place the specified number of plies in the lower jaw, clamp        in place. Strips should be drawn tight enough to eliminate slack        without pulling out any crepes.    -   6. Activate the test button. Stretch reading is displayed as        elongation EL. Tensile strength is labelled L.    -   7. Test five samples and average. Enter the average stretch and        tensile into the system.        Determine Wet Tensile

The following procedure was conducted to determine the wet tensile,namely:

-   -   1. cut tensile strips    -   2. place strips in hot plate at 300 degrees F. for two minutes    -   3. fold the strips in half and dip into a beaker of distilled        water at room temperature. One end of sample length should be        saturated at the center. Ensure the sample is wet through all        plies.    -   4. Clamp sample in upper jaw of tensile tester.    -   5. Place specified number of plies in lower jaw, clamp in place.        Strips should be drawn tight enough to eliminate slack without        pulling out any crepe.    -   6. Activate the test button. Tensile is labelled L.    -   7. Test five samples and average. Enter the average wet tensile        into the system.        Determining Basis Weight

The following procedure was utilized to determine basis weight, namely:

-   -   1. a 13 inch section is cut from the sample submitted by the        machine room.    -   2. The section is cut using the electronic cutter and the        appropriate die.    -   3. A sample of the reel 8 plies thick is cut out using the 8        sheet die.    -   4. A sample of the rewinder 12 plies thick is cut out using the        12 sheet die.    -   5. The reel checks of the paper machine, the sample is weighed        after cutting and the weight recorded into the system.    -   6. Samples from the rewinders are conditioned before weighing        namely:        -   five minutes for grades with the basis weight under 15            pounds        -   8 minutes for grades with the basis weight of 15 pounds or            higher.    -   7. After conditioning the sample is weighed and the results        entered into the system.        Determining Bulk

The following procedure is utilized to determine bulk:

-   -   1. bulk is tested using the same sample what was used for        determining basis weight.    -   2. Measure bulk by placing sample between plates of bulker.    -   3. Slowly release the plunger, applying the pressure gradually.    -   4. When the plunger is fully compressed, take readings to the        nearest one thousandths of an inch. Take three readings and        average.    -   5. Reel checks from the paper machines are measured for bulk        after cutting them out.    -   6. A sample of the reel paper machine and samples of rewinders        are conditioned before measuring bulk as referred to above.        Enter the average bulk into the system.        Hydrophilic Softener

Good results have also been experienced by utilizing a hydrophilicsoftener such as DC8600 available from Dow Corning. Furthermore theDC8600 to be described herein can be used for toilet tissue, towels,serviettes and the like.

DC 8600 hydrophilic softener is classified as hydrophilic amino copolyolas particularized in U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,215. The “backbone”polydimethylsiloxane (i.e. PDMS) is well known to be hydrophobic, but isnot a greasy feeling. PDMS improves the flexibility or drape characterwhen applied to non-woven webs with a significant content of paperfibers, thereby PDMS improves the overall tactile sensation. PDMS alone,however, causes deterioration of the fibrous web by loss of tensilestrength.

Accordingly PDMS was modified by various functional groups or “sidechains” along its length. Numerous polyoxygenated chains (e.g.polyethylene-polypropylene glycol allyl methyl ether) found in DC 8600impart hydrophilicity to the molecule permitting it to be miscible withwater, but this does not depreciate the handfeel. Side groups ofhydrocarbon fatty alcohol radicals found in DC 8600 with varying carbonchain lengths improve the handfeel by offering a more luxurious tactilesensation, which is not greasy feeling, as these too are bound to thePDMS. Numerous amino and amide functional groups attached whetherdirectly or indirectly to PDMS offer enhanced bonding sites with therelatively more electronegative functional groups found on adjacentsurfaces (e.g. hydroxyl functional groups of the cellulose paper fibers)and/or with water molecules present in the air at typical ambientconditions of temperature and relative humidity. So called “hydrogenbonding” from water molecules can form “bridges” to occur virtuallyeverywhere along the modified PDMS molecule between adjacent attractivegroups and contribute to the spatial stability of the polymers and closefibers by intramolecular and intermolecular means. Furthermore, theamino functional groups are well known to enhance the tensile strengthof the predominantly cellulose fiber matrix when so treated and,consequently, this improves the so called “wet-strength” of the webafter being wetted by water or another liquid which may contain somewater (e.g. ethanol).

DC 8600 lacks a significant content of water. Additional drying,therefore, is not an absolute requirement for topical application onto adry web containing fibers of paper, etc. Experience has shown, however,that further exposure to a source of heat after such topical applicationremoves traces of water and tends to improve dispersion of the addedconstituents throughout the matrix of the fibrous web and increaseand/or speed up bonding adherence and/or association between any of thepolymers and/or other constituents and the individual fibers of the weband/or cross-links or associations between several fibers of the weband/or cross-links or associations with any content of the 8600 toitself within the fiber matrix of the web and/or at the exterior of theweb (e.g. a surface coating).

The DC 8600 hydrophilic softener can be applied topically onto theexternal surfaces of a moving web of non-woven fibrous material insingle or multiple plies by a printing press or spray nozzle asdescribed above. However, the DC 8600 can also be added into a waterbased batch of pulps and other paper making chemicals. Preferably the8600 is added directly to the batch of pulp fibers in water before anyother chemicals are added. Furthermore, agitation or mechanical mixing(e.g. in a pulper and/or refiner) with or without extra heating, willenhance the natural dispersion of the hydrophilic polymer throughout thebatch and close association with, including surrounding and/or adherenceto, the wet paper fibers while at the “wet-end” of a paper-machine.

The treated pulp mixture will then be processed as is typical in papermaking. For example, the treated pulp mixture is released via a headbox“slot” or “jet” onto a moving wire belt (e.g. “Fourdrinier” or inaddition to a Fourdrinier wire, initial de-watering can be done by a“twin wire former” where the sheet is initially de-watered as a functionof fabric, tensions and roll radius) for water removal by gravitydrainage then suction drainage by vacuum boxes and mechanical expressionby pressing felts and by a pressure nip formed between adjacent rollersand/or vacuum suction rollers. Residual water in the semi-dry fibrousweb is typically evaporated while it contacts or passes over a heatedsurface or heated air passing through the web, or heating means. By wayof example such heat surface may be a drum dryer (i.e. Yankee), throughair dryer, or the like. Additional chemicals, with varying quantitiesfor surface coverage, are typically sprayed onto the drum dryer surfaceand/or the web. This is, firstly, to help adhere to bind the semi-dryweb onto the contact surface of the drum dryer and, secondly, to helprelease the dried web during creping. One or more scraping blades aretypically used to remove or “peel-off” the dry web from the dryersurface and to mechanically soften or “crepe” the paper on the rotatingdrum by collision of the paper with the stationary blade edge. Finallythe dry web is wound into large rolls or “reels” at a moisture contentof 15% or less by weight of the dry web, ideally at 10% or lessmoisture, and most preferably at about 4% moisture or less.

Calendaring of the dry web may or may not be completed after the treatedweb is dry. Calendaring is done to increase the surface smoothness orgloss of the paper. Calendaring can also be done on the just driedtissue paper web immediately after exiting the creping blade adjacentthe “Yankee” drying section but before the reeling section of the papermachine, where the flat web is wound to form of reel. Typically,calendaring is done soon after reels have been made and duringsimultaneous unwinding of one or more reels. The paper web passesbetween the pinch-point or “nip” of a vertical stack of horizontalcalendar rolls or cylinders and is rubbed on the exposed surfaces bycontact with the rotation of the adjacent rolls' hardened polished metal(e.g. iron) surfaces). The various webs of one ply will be immediatelylayered, with or without physical adhesion or chemical adhesives, toform a continuous sheet with multiple plies that is then wound into anew reel or “Parent Roll”.

Such a treated web of dry non-woven fibers may or may not be completelyused for forming a multiple ply sheet. It is possible to use only reelsof treated single ply web for the exterior plies of a multiply sheet anduntreated reel(s) for any inner ply(s) or any other combination forreasons of economy, handfeel or softness for tactile appreciation,tensile strength whether expressed as dry or wet tensile strength,cushion or bulkiness, and/or another desired paper attribute.

Typically good results were experienced by applying from 0.05% to 25% byweight of DC 8600 to a non-woven web of predominantly air-dry paperfibers by weight. Preferably, the topical applied dose ranges from 0.1%to 15% by weight. Whereas, the dose when applied by pulping ispreferably 0.1% to 3.0% by weight of the dry air fibers. The paperfibers to be used are, preferably, predominantly of cellulose but couldinclude a fraction of up to 50% by weight as lignin-cellulose and/orrayon and/or synthetic filaments.

Example of Process Description (for Coating Fibers with DC8600 in i.e.“Wet End” of a Paper Machine)

The following is an example of a process description to prepare a web oflight dry creped (LDC) tissue paper whose fibers are coated with DC8600in the “wet end” of a paper machine.

The furnish is composed of bleached softwood kraft pulp, such as CanforHS400 pulp in a proportion of 44%, and bleached acacia pulp in aproportion of 56%. The pulp is received as dry lap and reslushed at aconsistency of about 5% (solids) in a so-called pulper with “whitewater” recirculated from the paper machine. Once uniformly repulped, thepulp is pumped to a “dump chest” and then to a “machine chest”. Then,from the machine chest the pulp is pumped through a “refiner”.

A refiner is generally equipment made of two grooved discs—one rotatingand one immobile where pulp is fed between such discs through theimmobile disc. The purpose of the refiner is to develop strength byincreasing the specific surface of fibers through the delamination andfibrillation. The refiner was operated at approximately 200 Mega Wattsper Tonne of pulp finish.

After the refiner, the pulp continues to a “regulator”, which generallyconsists of a constant level regulation box. The pulp is fed to themiddle chamber of the regulator and baffles are used to level the accessof the pulp to the accept side and the reject side. The reject side goesto a stock return tank which is then pumped to the machine chest. Theaccept side is fed to the bottom of the “wire pit” into a chamberleading to the inlet of a “fan pump”. In this manner, “white water” fromthe wire pit is mixed with the pulp at the inlet of the fan pump. Theblend is then fed to a pressure screen to remove any contaminants. Theaccept side of the pressure screen goes to the “headbox”. The rejectside goes to a vibrating screen such as for example a Finckh screen,where the rejects are sewered and the accept goes back to the wire pit.

The headbox distributes the pulp suspension evenly across the papermachine width. The headbox throws the pulp suspension on a wire thatlets part of the water (eventually called “white water”) go through tothe wire pit and that retains fibers on its surface, forming the web.The wire is endless, and rotates around cylinders. The drainage area isan inclined “Fourdrinier” type. At the end of that area, the sheet istransferred to a felt with the help of a “pick up shoe”. A pick up shoeis a device that uses vacuum on the other side of the felt to transferthe sheet from the wire surface unto the felt surface.

Then another felt bottom belt joins the top felt with the sheet in themiddle. This goes through a first pressing stage, where pressure isapplied by means of two rolls pressing against each other. The water inthe sheet is expressed to the felts and the sheet reduces its watercontent. After that pressing stage, the sheet remains on the top feltand continues to the second pressing stage, where the sheet is nowpressed between a pressure roll (applying the pressure) and a Yankeedryer. The Yankee dryer is approximately a 12 foot diameter rotatingcylinder, containing steam, used to dry the paper. Prior to theapplication of the sheet onto the Yankee dryer, some coating is sprayedon the Yankee dryer surface. This coating is composed of Hercules'Crepetrol 8115 (120 cc/min) and Release Agent 8312 (12 cc/min) and issprayed on the surface of the Yankee with a water carrier. The Yankeehas a tangential speed of 3100 feet per minute. The spray of ReleaseAgent 8312 was reduced after the add-on of 5 kg of DC8600 per Tonne ofair dry pulp fibers, commensurate with increasing content of thesofteners in the web, and eventually “shut-off” between 5 and 10 kg ofDC8600 per Tonne (i.e. 1000 kg).

The rotational speed of the reel was increased with increasing softenercontent on the fibrous web above approximately 5 kg of DC8600 per Tonne.

At 10 kg DC8600 per Tonne with creping adhesive Crepetrol 8115 as used,however, the web did not adhere very well to the Yankee surface causingineffective creping. Symptoms included “loose sheet” as seen on theYankee, poorly wound reels, a coarse crepe pattern on samples of the LDCpaper and lab handfeel measurements had deteriorated.

After that second pressing stage, the sheet remains on the surface ofthe Yankee and undergoes the final drying step. The Yankee dryer iscovered by a gas-fire hood, which contributes to dry the paper faster.Once dried and containing 3-4% moisture, the sheet is peeled off theYankee surface by means of a “creping blade”. This blade is as long asthe Yankee dryer is wide and is applied against the surface of theYankee.

The sheet then goes through a calandering stage, where the sheet passesbetween two steel rolls and pressure is applied. The speed of the sheetat that point is approximately 2630 feet per minute. The surface of thesheet is made flatter and softer by this process step. Then the sheet iswound into reels and finally, two reels are rewound and calanderedtogether at a time to produce a two ply roll that further undergoesconverting into finished product.

By utilizing the process described above and the substrate or finishingsdescribed above, one embodiment of the invention illustrated that theoptimum addition of DC8600 was found to be approximately 0.5% (i.e. 5 kgDC8600 per 1000 kg or 1 Tonne) by weight of air dry pulp fibers, wheregenerally the best gain in handfeel (i.e. 7 to 8 wws units) wasexperienced in a sustainable process. The gain in handfeel relates to aperceived improvement by approximately 70% to 80% of a human group.

Furthermore it was observed that regardless of the added DC8600 it waspreferable to include the calendering step to improve the surface feelaspect of softness of the LDC papers utilized. Otherwise withoutcalendering the paper, any handfeel result was insignificantly differentbetween the variants tested.

The range of basis weights for the treated paper, when machine dry aftercalendering can extend from 8 to 20 pounds per ream (ream defined as3000 square feet of paper). Preferably the basis weight range for thepre-treated paper when machine dry after calendering is from 8 to 12pounds per ream.

Moreover unlike most other paper softeners, where handfeel is improvedbut with a loss in tensile strength of the treated paper, it wasobserved that the treatment described herein substantially maintainedthe tensile strength in the machine dry paper web for additions to 10 kgDC8600 per Tonne air dried pulp fiber. There was also some evidence toshow modest improvement in the tensile strength in the dry paper webincluding its wet tensile strength.

Generally speaking in the pulping process the pH is in the range of 5 to9; more preferably 6 to 8, and still more preferably neutral. Typicaltemperatures of the water were used as known by people skilled in theart at around 33 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore typical Yankeetemperatures were used.

Application of Microcapsules to Tissue Paper

1. Background

The following relates to the application of microcapsules to tissuepaper in order to impart softness and/or scent to the sheet. When shearor excessive pressure is applied to the microcapsules (as may occurduring wiping or blowing one's nose, etc.) the capsules are designed tobreak, releasing the softening oil and/or other liquids, into the sheetand unto the skin of fingers, etc.

2. Method

The microcapsules were applied by spraying suspensions of varyingconcentration onto a continuous moving roll of tissue paper. Dosagelevels were controlled by varying the speed and spray flow rate. Theapparatus used is shown in FIG. 12.

For example a 12″-wide roll of tissue was fed into an open nip formed bya top and bottom roll and moving belt. No nip pressure was applied andthe top roll remained stationary. The tissue sheet was reeled onto thewinder at the opposite end of the adhesion tester, after passing under amist of microcapsule suspension sprayed by an atomizing nozzle.

Each targeted dosage consisted of one “run”. The beginning and end ofeach run were indicated by tabs placed in the roll of tissue as it wasbeing reeled. There were approximately 4-5 runs per winder roll, afterwhich the roll was set aside and a new one started. The following day,samples from each individual run were manually re-wound on cardboardcores with the treated side of the tissue located on the inside of therolls, as indicated by colored tape.

A detailed diagram of the spray system is shown in FIG. 12. The spraynozzle was a stainless steel atomizing nozzle with a #2050 fluid cap anda #62240-60 degree air cap supplied by Spray Engineering (Mississauga).Air was supplied to the nozzle at 10 standard litres per minute (L/min.)as measured by a rotameter. The liquid was fed by gravity using agraduated cylinder located several feet above the nozzle. The liquidflow rate into the nozzle was controlled by a Whitney SS-31 RF4 needlevalve. The air and liquid connections to the nozzle were made with ¼″Swagelock.

Part of the flow to the nozzle valve was diverted and re-circulated backto the graduated cylinder with a Peristaltic pulp, using ⅜″ OD, (¼″ ID)Tygon tubing. This recirculation was necessary to keep the microcapsulesuspension dispersed before entering the nozzle. A pressure valve(located just prior to the graduated cylinder) provided sufficient backpressure to maintain uniform flow rates.

Nozzle flow rates varied from 10-30 millilitres per minute (ML/min.), totarget recommended microcapsule dosages of 0.019-0.37 g/m² (dry basis).These dosages were obtained by trial and error, by turning thecombination of back pressure, feed valve and return valves. The flowrates were measured by stopwatch from the graduated cylinders.

3. Chemical Additives

Three solutions were used to prepare the recipes in this study namely:

-   -   Deionized Water (DIW)    -   3M Microcapsules (35 micron size, hard shell filled with mineral        oil) @34.3% solids in solution.    -   Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) (Kruger P-1202 by Amtex) @2% solids        in solution.

To prevent spoilage, each of these solutions contained small amounts ofsodium benzoate at ≈0.1% w/w.

Three recipes were used, and are listed below in Table I.

TABLE 1 RECIPES SPRAYED ONTO TISSUE ACTIVE TOTAL MICROCAPS SOLIDS SOLIDSRECIPE COMMENT (%) (%) RECIPE 1 part of 34% Microcaps 4.9% 3.1% #1Microcaps plus suspension, adhesive 10 parts of 2% CMC sol'n RECIPE 100%DIW Water only n/a n/a #2 (Water only, (control) control) RECIPE 1 partMicrocaps 3.1% 3.1% #3 Microcaps Only suspension @ 34%, 10 parts DIWEstimating the Dosages

The applied dosages were estimated by assuming the tissue sheet pickedup 100% of the liquid coming out of the nozzle:

${{Wet}{\mspace{11mu}\;}{Pickup}\mspace{14mu}( {g\text{/}m^{2}} )} = \frac{({FlowRate})\mspace{11mu}(p)}{({Speed})\mspace{14mu}({Width})}$Dry  Pickup  (g/m²) = Wet  Pickup  (X_(Solids)) where:FlowRate = nozzle  flow   rate  (mL/min .)p = liquid   density, assumed  to  be  that  of  water   (1  g/ml).Width  12  in  (0.3048  m)X_(Solids)   active   solids  content

Note that the mass as sodium benzoate in the recipes was assumednegligible

4. Results

Eighteen samples were prepared and manually re-wound on cardboard coresJuly 21. The results are summarized in Table II.

TABLE II Nozzle Estimated Estimated Estimated Estimated Targeted ActualFlow Microcaps CMC Total CMC Microcaps Water Sample Speed Speed RateActive Active Total Pickup Pickup Pickup Pickup Label (m/min) (m/min)(ML/min) Solids Solids Solids (gm/m²) (gm/m²) (gm/m²) (gm/m²) CommentsRECIPE #1. Microcaps/CMC Mixture 20 19.9 10.4 3.1% 1.8% 4.9% 1.72 0.030.05 1.64 30 29.2 10.7 3.1% 1.8% 4.9% 1.20 0.02 0.04 1.14 50 45.9 10.33.1% 1.8% 4.9% 0.74 0.01 0.02 0.70 80 79.8 10.0 3.1% 1.8% 4.9% 0.41 0.010.01 0.39 10 9.6 9.8 3.1% 1.8% 4.9% 3.33 0.06 0.10 3.17 RECIPE #2.Control (Water Only) 10 10.0 8.9 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.91 0.00 0.00 2.91Pulsing spray when water is used 2 19.9 9.7 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.59 0.000.00 1.59 Pulsing spray when water is used 30 29.0 9.4 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%1.06 0.00 0.00 1.06 Pulsing spray when water is used 50 49.7 9.4 0.0%0.0% 0.0% 0.62 0.00 0.00 0.62 Pulsing spray when water is used 8 80.49.0 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.37 0.00 0.00 0.37 Pulsing spray when water is usedn/a n/a n/a n/a Control. Sheet passing thru, no spray. RECIPE #3.Water/Microcaps Mixture 50 50.3 29.3 3.1% 0.0% 3.1% 1.91 0.00 0.06 1.8575 74.2 30.8 3.1% 0.0% 3.1% 1.36 0.00 0.04 1.32 100 100.6 34.3 3.1% 0.0%3.1% 1.12 0.00 0.03 1.08 125 122.2 27.3 3.1% 0.0% 3.1% 0.73 0.00 0.020.71 50 51.5 29.3 3.1% 0.0% 3.1% 1.86 0.00 0.06 1.81 10 10.2 29.3 3.1%0.0% 3.1% 9.44 0.00 0.29 9.14 Over-dosing the sheet on purpose. 20 19.828.6 3.1% 0.0% 3.1% 4.72 0.00 0.15 4.58 Over-dosing the sheet onpurpose.

The results summarized in Table II point to the use of water to modifythe paper by adding microcapsules containing valuable oily liquids suchas fragrance or the like. These applications are useful, but dependingon the water added such water will tend to deteriorate the property ofthe web and therefore must be carefully controlled.

Another embodiment of the invention resides in substituting the waterwith room temperature non-volatile non-aqueous liquids such as mineraloil based lotions or polyethylene glycol based lotions as illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16.

As can be seen from FIGS. 15 and 16 by utilizing ratios of approximately4 to 10 parts carrier to one part fragrance, the fragrance will tend tostay longer with the carrier and in a sense the fragrance is bound tothe cellulostic fibers by the lotion sprayed thereon.

In particular one can see from FIG. 15 the carrier liquids used thereincomprise food grade mineral oil designated for example for FGWO35 soldas “Purity” brand by Petro-Canada. The reference 35 generally relates tothe viscosity as 35 centistokes.

The fragrance type and the add on by wt/wt percent is also shown in FIG.15. The reference to lipocaps relates to the trade name formicrocapsules from Lipo Technologies, whereas other fragranced andcoloured microcapsules were prepared by 3M. As can be seen from FIG. 15by utilizing the carriers described therein the invention is notrestricted to microcapsules but can include fragrances or aromas as wellas microcapsules of same.

FIG. 16 also refers to a Paraflex HT-68 which is another example of amineral oil from Petro Canada. Moreover FIG. 16 includes other examplesof carrier liquid compositions and surfactants as well as fragrancetypes. For example MEG relates to a mixture of menthol, eucalyptus andcamphor aromas as blended by Compagnie Parento Limited.

Moreover FIG. 16 illustrates the application of the carrier andfragrance by means of flexographic press and includes specifications ofan example of anilox roll, plate roll and nip gap. However, suchspecifications are for illustrative purposes only and should not belimited thereto. Furthermore the carrier fragrance may also be appliedby spraying or rotogravure press.

FIG. 17 illustrates the use of a surfactant such as DC 8600 which isadded to enhance the tactile feel of the web being printed or sprayed ina manner described above.

More specifically the DC 8600 may be included as part of the lotion toimprove the tactile characteristics of the facial tissue. Since the DC8600 may have a trace fragrance itself, the carrier system described inFIG. 17 may be utilized to improve the fragrance of the final product.

FIG. 17 also illustrates that in one embodiment of the invention thecarrier and surfactant along with the fragrance and other ingredientssuch as aloe and vitamin E can be applied to a web of cellulostic fiberby flexographic means. By utilizing a composition of approximately:

less than 1% by weight of aloe

less than 1% by weight of vitamin E

less than 1% by weight of fragrance

60% DC 8600

remainder mineral oil

and applying same to a facial tissue, it was observed that the tracesubstances tended to “stay” with the facial tissues and good tactilefeel was exhibited with the use of the DC 8600 as described above.

FIG. 18 illustrates specific results observed utilizing the methoddescribed in FIG. 17.

Various embodiments of the invention have now been described in detail.Since changes in and/or additions to the above-described best mode maybe made without departing from the nature, spirit or scope of theinvention, the invention is not to be limited to said details.

1. A tissue paper product comprising a web of non-woven wood pulp fibersto which is applied an essentially anhydrous composition comprisingapproximately by weight less than 1% of aloe; less than 1% of vitamin E;about 60%-99% of a hydrophilic softener composition comprising by weightBis (C₁₃-C₁₅ Alkoxy) PG Amodimethicone (and) PEG/PPG-24/24 Methyl EtherGlycidoxy Dimethicone; and the remainder mineral oil; wherein said paperis imparted with an increase in softness without loss of wet tensilestrength as compared with said paper without said application.
 2. Atissue paper product according to claim 1, wherein said web comprisesapproximately: (i) 55% by weight as bleached eucalyptus pulp and (ii)45% by weight as bleached northern softwood kraft pulp.
 3. A tissuepaper product according to claim 1, further comprising a carriercontaining an additive selected from the group consisting of fragrance,vitamin E and its derivatives, aloe, a colouring agent and combinationsthereof.
 4. A tissue paper product according to claim 3, including afragrance comprising one part of concentrated fragrance together withfour to ten parts carrier.
 5. A tissue paper product according to claim3, wherein the carrier comprises microcapsules.
 6. A tissue paperproduct according to claim 3, wherein the carrier for the additive isselected from the group consisting of food grade mineral oil andpolyethylene glycol.
 7. A tissue paper product according to claim 3,including a fragrance comprising aromatic chemicals and essential oils.8. A tissue paper product according the claim 7, wherein the essentialoil is selected from the group consisting of menthol, eucalyptus oil,camphor gum, vanilla and combinations thereof.
 9. A tissue paper productaccording to claim 1, comprising a multiple ply sheet.
 10. A method ofpreparing a tissue paper product as defined in claim 1, comprisingapplying the essentially anhydrous composition to said web using anapplication technique selected from the group consisting of spraying,flexographic printing and roto-gravure printing.
 11. A method accordingto claim 10, wherein said composition is applied to at least one surfaceof said web.